Shipping and display, high pack container



14, 1945. J MCCORMICK 2,382,891.

Sf IIPPING AND DISPLAY, HIGH PACK CONTAINER Filed Ju ly 12, 1940 v 2 Sheet s-Sheet 1 Aug. 14, 1945. J. A'. M CORMICK SHIPPING AND DISPLAY, HIGH PACK CONTKINER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 12, 1940 Ili- 8 A i l .m r $0M N0 K V. NM f 1, a fi m M J Patented Aug. 14, 1945 SHIPPING AND DISPLAY, HIGH PACK CONTAINER James A. McCormick, Kalamazoo, Mich., assignor to Fruit & Produce Packing,

Ind., a corporation Inc., Indianapolis,

Application July 12, 1940, Serial No. 345,077

1 Claim. (CL 229-37) This invention relates to the packing of crushable articles, such as fruits, and the like, which during transportation and storage sufier some shrinkage due to evaporation and which, incident to transportation and handling, tend to bulk pack.. Reference will be specifically had to the packing of apples, although the invention is not limited to the same.

In the packing of apples, it is desired that the full and predetermined volume purchasedbedelivered'to the purchaser. For example, if the packaging unit is of one bushel capacity, the purchaser should receive at least one bushel of apples.

For certain classes of transportation and shipment, it is necessary that the container be relatively rigid in order to prevent bruising of the contents. 7

In the packaging of apples for shipment, barrelshave been used which have acapacity of three bushels. This package is too large a unit foreconomical handling in a retail store. Also, barrel packing permitted poor quality apples to be included in the central portion thereof. Barrel packing prevented what was known as face packing. To insure delivery of substantially full volume, barrel packing required overfilling; Then the barrel head was applied withconsiderable pressure which crushed the apples into the barrel and then the head was'attached, but even with such pressure closing, the fruit was not packed sufficiently tight to prevent shaking or shifting of the fruit in transit and furthermore, such pressure closing injured the apples to which the pressure was directly applied.

Basket packing of fruit, such as apples, had the advantage of smaller bulk or volume but had the disadvantage of fragility and when bulgepacked required a crown cover which did not permit stable stacking for truck or freight car shipment and if so stacked and shipped, theover-pack portion of the fruit was subjected to considerable damage and particularly in the top: layers. The resulting package content wasunattractive, when opened.

A compromise between these two methods of packing was the rectangular, wooden box. This box packing had the disadvantage that if fully packed without fruit bruising, and the; like, the

box reaches the. purchaser with thefruit conlayers, of ,the apples-were considerably bruised.

. 5 with an inside liner of the same or similar paper The barrels and boxes, accordingly, had the advantage of rigidity of container over thelbaskets. The baskets had the advantage of flexibility to permit the fruit to settle in the packing operation so that the basket could. be packed with the minimum of voids and also permitted, which the box and. barrel did not, over-packing utilizing the crown cover. The present invention is directed to a container havingthe advantage of each of the aforementioned types of packaging containers and substantially none of the disadvantages of anyone of them.

The invention consists in providing a paper board container for the packaging of fruit, and the like, such as apples, and providing in said container provisions for what isknown as, high packing or bulge packingin other words, an excess volumeover the predetermined volume so that the purchaser assured of receiving at least the predetermined volume when purchasing and which container is so arranged that when opened to expose the contents, the customer W111 see more of the fruit and thereby be better enabled to judge the quahty thereof.

Acne-bushel high pack container would have a volume of one bushel plus" cubic inches, more or less.

The chief feature of theinvention consists in providing a container of predetermined volume with extensions to form an auxiliary, high or bulge volume to compensate for shrinkage and 'ing the board will have some slight local'yielcl to pressure exerted by the fruit in the pressure packing thereof'so that generally, such a container when packed tightly does-not permit 'much, if any, shifting of the contents; Such a container also may be employed in combination board material, in which event the sides of the container are reenforced by an additional 'thickderstood from the accompanying drawings and the following description and claim:

In the drawings,

Fig. l is a developed plan view of a blank from which one form of container embodying the invention is formed.

Fig. 2 is a similar view of a liner which may be associated therewith and which may be of corrugated board.

Fig. 3 is a central, sectional view through a packed, single high pack end container with the liner included therein.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view looking into one corner of the container shown in Fig. 3 when opened and previous to the removal of any of the contents therefrom, the container then be-' ing utilized for contents display purposes.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged, sectional view-of one form of sequential dual hinge crease formation, the creases being similarlydirected.

Fig. 6 is a, similar view of a similar structure with the creases shown oppositely directed.

Fig. 7 is a face view of a portion of the container semi-die cut to provide knockout portions for ventilation purposes.

Fig. 8 is a developedplan'of a, blank for a more complicated form of the invention;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of one corner of the same following a second break-down.-

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the opposite corner of the container in one stage of its erection. i

In Fig. '1 of the drawings, there is illustrated a blank in which I0 indicates one pair of side walls, II an intermediate pair of side walls, all four being sequentially connected together and being formed from a single blank and by the creases I2. At one'endof this blank there may be a'fiap portion l3 also connected to the adjacent side wall, and herein a wall II, bythecrease bottom forming flaps or end forming portionswhich are integral with the blank sides I0 and are hingedly connected thereto as by the creases In like manner, bottom forming portions I6 are creased and hingedlyconnected as at I1 to the sides I I.

When the sides are arranged in tubular for mation, the portion I3 can lie within or without the 'tubular'a'rrangement and the staples or metal stitching I8 and/or tape may be utilized to secure the sides in said arrangement. When thus arranged and when a container is to be filled from the top, the bottom portions I4 and I6 forming the bottom are turned inwardly into overlapping relation as shown in Fig. 3 and are suitably secured together as by metal stitching or stapling or by the use of adhesive, such as sodium silicate and/or by the use of a strip of adhesive tape, which may be of cloth or paper character, the latter being herein illustratedsee Fig. 3--and being indicated by the numeral adjacent supporting side by a crease arrange-' ment 23 and 24, respectively. These extension portions may, however, be connected and such connection including a slit or semi-perforation to facilitate subsequent separation by a pocket or case knife when the container is opened for display purposes.

There also is provided and integral with each side extension, an end portion or top forming member and herein the'top portion 25 is connected to said side extension 2I by the hinge forming crease 21 and the top forming portion 26 is similarly supported and connected to the side extension 22 by the hinge forming crease 28. Each of the top forming portions is independent of each other.

When the container is filled, it is filled so that each side extension is coplaner with the supporting side and the top or end portion connected to the side extension, in the present form of the invention, is turned inwardly for article retention. The four end forming portions may be similarly secured together, as previously described, with reference to the bottom formation and herein the numeral 29 indicates the strip of adhesive tape corresponding to the tape I0.

In Fig. 5, the numeral I00 indicates a. side wall portion, IOI an extension thereof and I02 an end forming portion. I03 indicates th crease arrangement between the side I00 and the extension l0l. I04 indicates the hinge crease arrangement between the extension IN and the end forming portion I02. It will be noted that the two creases I03 and I04 are similarly directed.

In Fig. 6 numerals similar to those employed in Fig. 5 but increased by I00 indicate like or comparable parts and this form of the invention only differs from that shown in Fig. 5 in that creases 204 and 203 are oppositely directed.

The multiple type individual crease formation shown in both of thes figures is capable of swingingly connecting the tw portions together so that the free portion may swing in either direction although it will swing with greater facility in the direction of the crease. Consequently, while the form of the invention shown in Fig. 5 lends itself to easier production, the form of the invention shown in Fig. 6, while more difficult to form in-line production work, does have the advantage that the crease formation permits the hingedly connected portions to swing freely in the desired directions, reference being had more particularly to Figs. 3 and 4 by way of explanation. It will be noted that all of the end forming portions are turned inwardly and on the hinge lines or coincident with the creases I5, ll, 2! and 28.

When the filled container is received by the purchaser, the tape 29 is removed from the top and the several end portions are freed and opened. After opening, the extensions are separated, if not independent of each other. The top end portions are then turned back approximately 270 from the original end forming position into the position'shown in Fig. '4 and upon the hinge forming creases 23 and 24. Thus, the portions 2I and 22 form a smooth upper edge of the container and the latter displays the contents, indicated by the numeral 50, the high pack or heaped arrangement.

It will be noted when the container is open for display purposes, the several portions represented by the side-extensions constitute smooth, plain surfaces forming a neat and attractive "upper edge for the open box. Whenever the character of thecontents is such that ventilation is required, a suitable number of semi-die cut openings-see Fig. 7ma'y-be provided. In this figure, the numeral 300 indicates a portion of the body of the blank and 3M the die cuttings which are so arranged and herein in circular relation, so that finger pressure thereon will readily eject the portion 302 from the body portion 300 providing a ventilating opening. No claim is made t this feature, since it is an old and well known expedient to obtain ventilation and in the amount required or desired, since the number of said semi-die cut portions to be ejected is unknown to the box maker. The packer, previous to filling the container, with due regard. for the type of transportation, extent and duration thereof and the conditions to which the contents will be subjected during such transportation and storage periods, determines the number of these openings that are to 'be opened in the manner described. The remainder, if any, of the semi-die cut portions remain as originally fabricated.

It will be apparent from the foregoing, the

container thus formed is a single wall thickness arrangement with multiple wall or reenforced end portions, Whenever additional rigidity and additional cushioning is desired, there is provided a blank including the portions 40 and M hinged connected together as at 42 and this is shown in Fig. 2. This 4-section blank is arranged in tubular formation and is inserted in the container when arranged in tubular formation and thus forms an inner liner for the container. This inner liner is shown clearly in Figs. 3 and 4 in position. The lower edg of this liner bears on the bottom. The upper edge of this liner terminates substantially coincident with the coplaner aligned creases 23 and 24 or terminates slightly below the same. This liner preferably is formed of double face, corrugated board. The container proper also is formed of the same material, al-

though both container proper and liner need not necessarily be formed of this particular type of paper board. It has been found, however, that this particular type of paper board is to a certain extent resilient or cushioning in its action, has suflicient strength for the purpose desired, and has other advantages well known in the paper box industry such as lightness in weight, ability to insulate against heat and cold, et cetera.

Having thus described the preferred embodiment of the invention, reference will now be had to the use thereof and more particularly the packing thereof. The containers, and liners if employed, are shipped fiat or knockdown to the packer. in the container proper when in tubular form and positioned as shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

In either case, the container arrangement may be filled from either end, with or without the use of trays, shells and other accessories common to the packing industry.

When the container is filled from the so-called bottom end, the high or bulge pack portion of the pack or contents at the top of the container may be hand-packed for display purposes and then the remainder of the container filled with the contents, such as apples. Then pressure is applied to the end forming portions constituting the bottom of the container to firmly press and fill the container with a minimum of voids. Then the bottom forming end portions may be suitably sealed or secured together as illustrated, to close the container. top of the package is first closed, but the packer must work in the container.

If the liner be employed, it is inserted With this type of packaging, the

supplied to the box.

One method of packing is to provide an elevated tray structure, the level or elevation being of a length equal to the depth of the box plus the end portions and this tray could have an upwardly directed rim, and in'that tray would be hand-placed the. selected apples. When this operation is completed, the flattened tubular box with or withoutthe liner would be telescoped over the tray and the top portions (end closures) then turned inwardly and downwardly to-lie over the apples in the tray. These end portions or the top of the box is then secured in sealed-relation as previously described. Thereupon the box with the tray and tray included apples is invertedp The tray then is removed without disturbing the apples packed in the closed end of the box, which will be the top of the box. Then the bulk of the apples can be Then the opposite end portions closed, pressure applied thereto in so doing fcr compacting the apples and then the end opposite closures are sealed, thus closing the ultimate bottom of the box. This form of packing has the advantage of hand-facing the top of the box and of applying the greatest pressureto the apples at the bottom of the box in the filling and sealing operation. Other advantages will be mentioned hereinafter, such as he added convenience.

The reverse type of packagin is for the bottornto be first closed, then the container substantially filled with the contents,-then shaken down, and then the top layer, or layers, handapplied and in high pack formation. Then the topforming portions are turned inwardly and are secured together in top forming position. By packing from the bottom and then facing the box, the selected fruit is more uniform which adds to the appearance of the packed box when it. is opened for display but the facing layer may not be event.

.One advantage of fillingfrom the bottom is that the selected contents adjacent the top are not subjected to the immediate final pressure application incident to closing the container. Also, the top facing layer is more uniform so the actual stress therein is uniformly distributed resulting in less damage to the fruit.

The second mentioned method of packing has the advantages of the-first and last mentioned methods and but few of the disadvantages of either method,

It is quite apparent that these containers,

,however, packed, may be shipped in truck or freight cars and be arranged'in stacked relation, one upon the other, without bruising of the contents andthis' stacking may be of considerable height.

The containers may rest upon their sides and be stacked, while in that relative position, one upon the other. The weight of the superposed containers will, therefore, be carried by what would be normally two side walls and the end walls of the lower box, or boxes, when thus positioned. Hence, the superposed load is not carried by the walls, et cetera, across the scored portions thereof, thus relieving the strain thereon. This double hinge portion in the side positioning mentioned has sufiicient strength to resist lateral play of the cartons in the vehicle and that is all that the same has to resist, the weight then being taken by the side Walls, as previously described. When the side wall liner is employed, of course, the strength is increased.

Again referring to the method of packaging,

the particular container herein disclosed readily lends itself to the filling and hand-packing, et cetera, by anyone of some half dozen or more difierent methods of which one is well known as the I-Iiatt packing system and the modifications thereof. By the specific mention hereof, the invention, however, is not to be understood as being limited exclusively to the Hiatt system.

While the invention has been described as applied to a box wherein but one end, and the upper end thereof, is provided with the intermediate portion defined by the two parallel creases,,it, of course, will be readily apparent that the other end of the box may be similarly constructed and since this is merely a duplication of the singular form of the invention, mention is made herein solely for the purpose of disclosure. Since the invention is so simple insofar as this addition is concerned, no illustration thereof is provided, although it is pointed out the blank shown in Fig. 1 then would be provided with similar creases parallel to the creases l and H and properly spaced therefrom.

It also is to be observed that the slots between the portions [4 and I6 may be extended to these parallel creases or terminate as shown for reasons previously set forth regarding the slots and length thereof provided between the portions 2| and 22. Likewise, if necessary or desired, the flap l3 maybe correspondingly reduced by the amount included between the creases l5 and H and the additional creases parallel thereto.

In Figs. 8 to 10 of the invention, there is illustrated a more complicated form of the invention. Herein numerals similar to those employed in Figs. 1, 3 and 4 but increased by 400, designate like or similar parts.

Herein, the corner creases 4l2 preferably as at 400, 400a and 4110b include spaced and aligned cuts forming a cut-score extension of crease M2 and the connection between adjacent portions 42| and 422, 42m and 4220, and 42") and 422?) formed in side walls M0 and 4 by creases 423 and 424, 423a and 424a, and 4231) and 424b, respectively.

The sole purpose of Fig. 10 is to illustrate this type of connection. Fig. 9 illustrates this form of the invention arranged after the first breakdown" has been effected as shown in Fig. 4 which can be effected by cutting the cut score portions 400 to permit lateral display of the contents and following the sale of the top layer, the portions 400a are severed and the second break-down is effected to expose laterally the second layer. This is illustrated in Fig. 9 and the parts assume in general the positions as indicated.

The utility and desirability of this form of the invention will be obvious from the illustrations and foregoing description. It is to be observed that the cut-score arrangement 400 shown in Fig. 10 may be substituted for the extension of the slots between the end closure portions shown in Fig. 1, which therein actually separate portions 2| and 22, all without departing from the broadest disclosure of the invention. In Fig. 9 the liner is not included but it might be utilized, if desired .or required.

If desired, a liner or separate pads may be used for increased protection to the contents and/or for box strengthening. Since corrugated board has greater strength in a direction parallel to the flutes, the flutes of such a liner or pads might be in either direction, depending upon which way it is desired to strengthen the box; for example, if the box is to be shipped on the side and additional vertical or stacking strength is desired when in this position, as a three panel or four panel liner or separate pads could be used and the flutes would preferably run vertical in those panels of the liner or the pads which lie in vertical planes.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in great detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character.

The several modifications described herein as well as others which will readily suggest themselves to persons skilled in this art, all are considered to be within the broad scope of the invention, reference being had to the appended claim.

The invention claimed is:

In a conventional four sided, corrugated board shipping and display box having cover forming flaps on each wall and normally foldable inwardly therefrom for box closure purposes and subsequently foldable outwardly and downwardly for content display purposes, the combination of a preformed crease in each of the side walls near the top thereof and on the exterior of said wall and forming an intermediate wall portion between the wall proper and the cover flap crease hinge carried thereby, the portions between said creases being substantially unattached to each other, the first mentioned creases being peripherally arranged about the box, said four resulting intermediate portions forming a tubular upward extension of the box of uniform cross-sectional area throughout, each intermediate portion-wall connecting preformed crease being of outfolding character only, whereby said portions are mutually self-sustaining and in coplaner relation with the respective walls when the box is closed for shipment purposes.

JAMES A. McCORMICK. 

